Melbourne, Australia – World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz wasted no time asserting his dominance at the Australian Open, dismantling Australian qualifier Adam Walton 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in the first round on Monday. The 20-year-old Spaniard, chasing his first title at Melbourne Park, showcased the blistering form that has made him a two-time Grand Slam champion.
Playing under the lights on John Cain Arena, Alcaraz faced a fired-up home crowd backing the 24-year-old Walton, who had battled through three qualifying rounds to reach the main draw. But the underdog’s resistance crumbled early. Alcaraz broke serve in the sixth game of the first set and never looked back, firing winners from all angles with his trademark athleticism.
‘I felt great from the first ball,’ Alcaraz said post-match. ‘Adam played well in qualifiers, but I was focused on my game plan.’ The second set saw Walton mount a brief fightback, saving two break points at 2-2, but Alcaraz’s superior movement and forehand firepower proved decisive. By the third set, the match was a procession, with Alcaraz wrapping up victory in straight sets after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
This emphatic win sets up a blockbuster second-round clash against the 15th seed, Tallon Griekspoor. Alcaraz, who reached the quarterfinals here last year before a freak injury cut his campaign short, enters the tournament as one of the favorites alongside Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. Walton, meanwhile, departs with head held high, having earned valuable experience against the elite.
As the Australian Open heats up, Alcaraz’s statement performance signals his intent to conquer the final major of the summer swing. Fans will be watching closely as the young star bids to add another Grand Slam trophy to his cabinet.